By Luke Brumm
We took a look at the quarterbacks, so now let’s move on to the other position in the backfield, the running backs.
5. TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State
Henderson was a workhorse for the Buckeyes last season, despite being banged up, and will have some help this season from another running back that will be on this list. He had 926 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground while averaging six yards per carry. Henderson added another 229 yards and six touchdowns receiving as well. He should be fresher this season with the help the Buckeyes got from the portal. Ohio State has a stacked roster and I expect Henderson to be a big part of their success in 2024.
4. Donovan Edwards – Michigan
After a really good 2022 campaign, Donovan Edwards had a lackluster year in 2023. A lot of that had to do with Blake Corum and how good he was. After racking up 991 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022, Edwards’ numbers dipped to just 497 yards and five touchdowns last season. Now that he is the main guy in Ann Arbor, I see him eclipsing 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns this upcoming season.
We saw what he was able to do in the National Championship, breaking free for two long touchdown runs. He had his only 100-yard game that day and, in my eyes, set the tone for this upcoming season. He’s already getting some recognition as it was just revealed that he will be front and center on the cover for the EA College Football 25 Deluxe Edition.
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3. Omarion Hampton – North Carolina
Of course, Drake Maye took up most of the attention at UNC last season, but Omarion Hampton had a breakout season. He accumulated just over 1,500 rushing yards and 15 rushing TDs. Hampton was also able to add 29 receptions for 222 yards and a touchdown. The Tar Heels will probably look to go to Hampton even more this season as they don’t have the outside weapons or quarterback they had in 2023.
I believe Hampton is one of the most slept-on stars in college football, and I expect him to be a household name come January.
2. Quinshon Judkins – Ohio State
This is the other Buckeye back that I mentioned earlier. Coming over from Ole Miss, Judkins exploded onto the scene two years ago and was good again in 2023. He put up 1,158 yards rushing with 15 touchdowns on the ground. Judkins also had two touchdown catches and accumulated 149 yards on 22 receptions. He opted for the transfer portal and found himself in Columbus. Him and Henderson will be a nasty one-two punch and will certainly cause teams fits come the fall.
1. Ollie Gordon II – Oklahoma State
I don’t think there is much debate on who is the best back in CFB. Ollie Gordon II is a monster who has proven many times that he is one of, if not the best, running back we’ve seen in a while. After a slowish start to 2023, Gordon II was able to take off and ended with 1,732 yards while averaging over six yards per carry. He had 21 touchdowns on the ground and added a receiving one as well.
Gordon II was the focal point of the Cowboy offense and I expect no difference in 2024. Even with those stats last year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ollie Gordon II improve in this upcoming season.
